National Security Memorandum No. 263, 11 October 1963

TO: Secretary of State
Secretary of Defense
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

SUBJECT: South Vietnam

At a meeting on October 5, 1963, the President considered the recommendations
contained in the report of Secretary McNamara and General Taylor on their
mission to South Vietnam.

The President approved the military recommendations contained in Section I
B (1-3) of the report, but directed that no formal announcement be made of the
implementation of plans to withdraw 1,000 U.S. military personnel by the end
of 1963.

After discussion of the remaining recommendations of the report, the President
approved an instruction to Ambassador Lodge which is set forth in State Department
telegram No. 534 to Saigon.

McGeorge Bundy

Copy furnished:
Director of Central Intelligence
Administrator, Agency for International Development